News Release

1997-18
March 14, 1997

Increased funding for bursary/scholarship program for First Nations, Inuit and Métis

OTTAWA - Health Minister David Dingwall today announced increased funding for the bursaries and scholarship component of the Indian and Inuit Health Careers Program (IIHCP), specifically targeted at studies in health administration.

In First Nations communities, a health administrator is responsible for the management and organization of health services including First Nations health centres, hospitals, nursing homes and community health programs. The health administrator's work focuses primarily on the planning, management and delivery of health services, including financial, personnel and program management.

Funding for IIHCP will increase from $300,000 to $500,000. It is anticipated that an additional 30 to 50 students will be able to participate in the program as a result of the increased funding.

This marks the second time that funding for the program has increased since October 1994. At that time, program funding was increased from $100,000 to $300,000, making it possible to triple the number of bursaries and scholarships available through IIHCP.

In making the announcement, Minister Dingwall indicated that the government had met its original target in increasing funding for the program and was now moving to do even more. "Training more health professionals and para-professionals in the health administration area is consistent with the department's strategic direction to transfer control of health resources and programs to First Nations and Inuit," said Minister Dingwall. "This will help First Nations to manage their programs and build capacity at the community level," he added.

IIHCP was established in 1984 to increase the representation of aboriginal peoples in the health professions. The program was specifically designed to encourage and support aboriginal representation in educational opportunities leading to professional and para- professional careers in health care such as medicine, nursing, pharmacology, radiology, nutrition, laboratory technology and psychology. Since 1984, 363 bursaries and 214 scholarships have been awarded to Indian, Inuit and Metis students pursuing studies in health professions. The program also provides resources to universities and other educational institutions to create a learning environment designed to overcome social and cultural barriers that have, in the past, inhibited aboriginal students' education achievement.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This announcement is an example of how this government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Media Inquiries:
Monette Haché
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991.